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When Your Kid Needs the Hospital for the Flu

We’ve been hearing plenty about the flu pandemic this season, which especially dangerous for babies and young children and their undeveloped immune systems. Parents must be diligent about spotting the warning signs of flu infection early in order to avoid other serious health issues. Flu.gov tells parents to seek emergency medical attention for their children if they have any of the following symptoms:

Fever of 102°F or above with at least two of the following symptoms: sore throat, body aches, fatigue, diarrhea, runny nose and chills

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or purple or blue discoloration of the lips

Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, severe or persistent vomiting, seizures, flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

The best protection against the flu is the flu vaccine, especially for children who are between 6 months and 5 years old or have chronic diseases like asthma or diabetes. Lastly, Flu.gov advises, “When caring for a child with the flu, limit your contact with others as much as possible, to help to prevent the spread of the flu.”